Water Level
|
632.17 ft
updated 8:00 AM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Protection efforts will help us out in future droughts
Posted: Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:17 PM - 10,434 Readers
By: Laura Huffman
These are more than just the dog days of summer in Austin. In addition to record temperatures, we are experiencing record drought. In fact, Lake Travis lost enough water in June to serve the entire City of Austin for a year. This same trend played out across the state. Current measures indicate that levels in 109 Texas lakes dropped 4 percent in the month of June alone; that's a loss of 358 billion gallons of water. Now think of this in terms of population. The worst recorded drought in Texas was in the 1950s. At the time, there were fewer than 8 million people living here. Today, with a population topping 25 million, drought has a different context. Think of it as 25 million straws in our lakes, rivers, streams and aquifers. This record hot, dry summer has put an incredibly sharp focus on why it is so very important for us to protect the quality and supply of our water. This week, both the Travis County Commissioners Court and the Austin City Council took major steps toward addressing these issues not just for the present, but also for future generations. The Commissioners Court authorized ballot language for a bond initiative that will invest $82 million in water quality protection and park development. Travis County has an impressive history of investing in the protection of our natural resources, including the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan, which has assembled over 28,000 acres of permitted acreage, along with the acquisition of Hamilton Pool and 2,500 acres along the Pedernales River. This is a significant investment in protecting our precious natural resources. Preserving these landscapes makes the direct connection between protecting land and protecting water, and ensures a reliable water supply for future generations. But wait — there's more. The City Council is scheduled to vote on buying 611 acres in southwest Austin known as the Southern Avana tract. This important acquisition will be paid for using the last of the $50 million in open space bonds city voters passed in 2006. This purchase is significant because the land sits directly over an incredibly sensitive aquifer recharge zone — an area that feeds our local springs (including Barton Springs Pool) and the Edwards Aquifer. It also fills an important gap in publicly owned land to support the Violet Crown Trail Project, which, when completed, will allow every one of us to enjoy these close-in open spaces. Time after time, voters have authorized the city to set these sensitive areas aside in order to ensure a safe and adequate water supply. This has resulted in the protection of nearly 50,000 acres of land in that time frame. The voters have gotten the protection they authorized. It gets better. In the upcoming November election, voters will have the opportunity to approve Proposition 8, the water stewardship amendment. Currently, property owners in Texas who meet a set of standards for managing their land to promote agriculture or to protect wildlife are eligible to have their property's value assessed at a lower rate, which reduces their property tax bill. Proposition 8 would extend the same incentives to property owners who meet a set of standards for managing their land to conserve water and protect water quality. And because the water incentives in this measure would only be available to property owners who already qualify for the agriculture or wildlife incentives, it would protect water quality and supplies without reducing tax revenues. This measure was approved unanimously by the legislature, and had the support of Republicans, Democrats, farmers, ranchers, landowners, taxpayers' organizations and conservation groups. The Nature Conservancy proudly assisted in all of these efforts because protecting clean, safe water supplies in Central Texas is better than buying an insurance policy for the future. It helps guarantee our children's children will have clean, available water for the economy they will drive and to enhance their quality of life.
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,592 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,256 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
31,196 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,366 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,351 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,712 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,505 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,762 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,504 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,064 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,650 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,675 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,194 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
28,104 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
31,921 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,612 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,894 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,448 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,680 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,366 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
14,840 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,532 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,885 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,381 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,375 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,652 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,407 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,579 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
27,080 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,336 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,437 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
26,986 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,374 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,657 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,276 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
35,956 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
38,024 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,397 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,777 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,681 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,665 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,690 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,261 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
26,938 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,683 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,397 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,213 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,471 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,820 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,421 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,218 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
24,085 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,346 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,787 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,429 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,637 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,595 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,766 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,697 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,513 Readers |
News Archives 2011 - Select a Month
|